As the cannabis industry grows, expectations of consumers regarding authentic taste and authenticity are rising. The consumers aren’t content with products that just “work.” They are looking for experiences that feel real to the smells of the plants that spark recognition and flavors that are authentically cannabis not merely imitations. This growing demand has placed Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious product development conversations.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Why Terpenes Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes are the compounds that are that are responsible for the distinctive scent and flavor of marijuana strains. They influence the perception of a product for a long time before the effects can be felt. If properly preserved Terpenes are a source of freshness, strain heritage and quality. Even the most potent of products could be artificial or flat if not handled correctly.
Real Cannabis Terpenes are extracted directly from the cannabis flower, and capture the natural aroma of the plant. This is a distinct distinction from botanical terpene blends, which attempt to imitate cannabis profiles using compounds extracted from non-cannabis plants. The botanical blends are efficient in terms of cost, but they do not have the same level of substance as genuine cannabis.
The Extraction Method Determines the Outcome
The method of extraction used to extract Terpenes plays a huge role on their final flavor. Hydrocarbon extraction is usually utilized to create vibrant, resin-like aromas. These methods help preserve fragile compounds that easily disappear during drying or high-heat processing.
CO2 Terpenes are also an option. Carbon dioxide extraction allows for precise control and produces solid, clean terpene fractions. The aroma that is produced can be less intense compared to hydrocarbon extractions. However, CO2 extracted profiles are superior for consistency and purity formulations.
Each method is not inherently “better.” Each has an objective that is different and the informed producer chooses based on their desired outcome rather than marketing trends.
Fresh Material is measurable
The quality of cannabis-derived Terpenes are determined by the harvest. Terpenes break down quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or even time. The use of fresh frozen materials and properly preserved flowers can help to keep the original aroma profiles.
No extraction method can bring back the value lost once the degrading occurs. This is why experienced producers of terpenes are obsessed with finding and processing. The aroma and the clarity of the product will immediately tell you whether it’s fresh or damaged.
What should you look for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
It is easy to disregard the glitzy claims and descriptions when looking at Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is the most important thing. Buyers must be aware of where the terpenes came from, the method of extraction and the products they’re transformed into after extraction.
Consistency plays a significant aspect. The scent of cannabis-derived items must be consistent from batch to batch. This is particularly true when the varieties are different. Large variations are often a red flag for brands that care about quality.
Terpene Craft: A Focused Method
Some producers try to do all things to all people. Others choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes falls into the second group, which focuses exclusively on the extraction of terpenes rather than expanding their focus to other product types. This focus on terpene extraction allows for greater control of aromas processing, as well as the final product.
Mass Terpenes prioritizes small-batch manufacturing and post-processing, letting the aroma speak for it. Instead of relying solely on a marketing campaign the quality of the product is perceived directly through smell and taste that are distinctively marijuana.
Aroma as an opportunity to conduct a Quality Check
There is no lab report that can replace the moment a container is opened. Terpenes that are high-quality and derived from cannabis reveal themselves instantly, with an array of complexity and familiarity that artificial blends can’t beat. Aroma is the sole measurement of quality.
Authenticity is the new differentiator in the market. No matter whether a product is made with CO2 terpenes, which are refined or cured cold, the main objective is to preserve the original characteristics of the plant. Terpenes, when treated with respect and care are more than just improving the quality of products. They also bring the cannabis tradition forward.